Bermuda Ocean Race (B.O.R.)

Bermuda Ocean Race Website

In June this year (2010) we hosted the Bermuda Ocean Race. The race is designed for racing and cruising yachts to provide an exciting, affordable, and winnable blue water race to beautiful Bermuda.

The first Bermuda Ocean Race was established in 1979 with seven yachts that competed informally. The organizers determined there was sufficient interest for this type of race and it became an accepted biennial event starting in 1980. Since then the fleet has grown and now attracts both racing and cruising boats. The fleet is limited to 50 entries. This allows the committee and host clubs to be responsive to the needs of each entrant--a major objective of the race organizers.

The race has been structured to provide a combination of inshore and offshore racing previously not available. Divisions are established to insure fair matching for both cruising and racing boats.  A major objective is to enhance the art of navigation for more sailors. This includes piloting through the 125 miles of Chesapeake Bay coastal waters and navigation of the 628 mile offshore leg. The BOR provides these challenges within a framework designed for safe offshore sailing. It enables many sailors to fulfill a lifelong ambition: a blue water passage to an island of coral with white sandy beaches and hospitable people.

The Eastport Yacht Club and the St. George's Dinghy and Sports Club will again welcome the 18th Biennial Bermuda Ocean Race (BOR) from Annapolis, Maryland to St. George's  Bermuda in 2012.

Last Updated on Thursday, 21 October 2010 13:36

ARC Europe (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers)

Arc Europe Website

The ARC Europe starts from Nanny Cay Marina on Tortola, British Virgin Islands, crossing to the first rally destination port, St. George’s in Bermuda. There is an alternative start in Hampton VA, for north American-based yachts, also crossing to Bermuda. From Bermuda the combined rally fleet crosses the Atlantic to the Azores islands. The final leg departs from Ponta Delgada on São Miguel to Marina de Lagos, Portugal, with support provided for yachts heading to northern Europe.

ARC Europe is open to monohull and multihull sailing and motor yachts between 27-60 ft (8.23-18.29m). Minimum crew requirement is two people onboard each yacht. A qualifying cruise of 500nm non-stop or similar experience is required. A range of safety and communications equipment must be carried. The requirements are detailed in the Entry Regulations available from World Cruising Club.

The next ARC Europe will start in the Caribbean on May 5th 2011, or from Hampton, Virginia on May 6th 2011, and will finish with the prize giving in Portugal on June 19th 2011.

Last Updated on Thursday, 21 October 2010 13:35

Bermuda 1-2 Race

Bermuda 1-2 Race Website

June 3rd, 2011 will start the Bermuda 1-2 Race to Bermuda from Newport, Rhode Island. A brief history of the event from the events website follows.

“On June 18, 1979, 20 solo sailors crossed the starting line at Newport, Rhode Island and nosed out into the North Atlantic to challenge the ocean and each other in a grueling 635-mile single-handed race to St. George’s, Bermuda.  In boats ranging from 22 to 41 feet in length, these sailors were the pioneer participants in the first running of what has now become a biennial tradition - the Bermuda One-Two.

The race was conceived and founded in 1977 by the Society of Lone Offshore Sailors (SOLOS) under the direction of OSTAR competitor Jerry Cartwright.  In 1979, the Bermuda One-Two became the sole management responsibility of Goat Island Yacht Club, Ltd.  Until 1992 when a joint agreement with the Newport (RI) Yacht Club was enacted, making both clubs co-organizers of the race.  The St. George’s Dinghy & Sports Club has been the host club in Bermuda for the event’s entire history.”

Last Updated on Thursday, 21 October 2010 13:36

North American Rally to the Caribbean (N.A.R.C.)

NARC Website

November 2010 will be the 11th Annual NARC Rally! Boats are expected to depart Newport on October 31st (weather dependent) and arrive shortly after in Bermuda. While in Bermuda the crews are treated to special tours arranged locally by the Sailing Committee and also invited to attend club events specially planned with them in mind.

Following are some of this years planned events. Tours of Harbour Radio facilities, Nonsuch Island visit, tours of the forts, and mini-bus service to the Bermuda Rugby Classic. Spaghetti Happy Hour where Brian is providing a regular as well as spicy version of an Italian favorite on November 5th. Goslings Rum Tasting, BBQ Dinner, and live music by Prestege all on November 7th starting at 6:00pm.

Once the boats depart Bermuda most boats will head to the final Rally destination of St. Maarten in time for the final Rally party hosted by IGY Marina Group.

Last Updated on Thursday, 21 October 2010 13:35